Chic and cheerful: 15 hotels for affordable European glamour

The travel feature highlights boutique European hotels offering character and sea-side or heritage settings at comparatively affordable rates, spanning islands and Spain’s state-run paradors. It begins on the Greek island of Kastellorizo, where Hotel Mediterraneo sits about 2km from the Lycian coast and offers doubles from €170, with breakfasts combining Turkish börek, Greek yogurt and croissants. On Symi, The Old Markets features seven rooms and three suites across the historic market building and nearby Captain’s Mansion, with a rooftop tasting-menu restaurant and Greek breakfast feasts; doubles start around £150 B&B. The article then turns to Spain’s Lerma, describing the 17th-century Ducal Palace now operating as Parador de Lerma, noting its ducal history and that Lope de Vega’s works were first performed in the courtyard.